The tragic death of a Nepalese undergraduate student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar on Thursday evening has sent shockwaves through the institution and sparked widespread outrage. This marks the second such incident involving a Nepalese student within three months, raising serious questions about the safety and well-being of international students at the university.
The Second Death: A Grim Repetition
The deceased student, a first-year B.Tech student in Computer Science, hailed from Birgunj, Nepal, a city approximately 135 kilometers from Kathmandu. Her body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan in her room at one of KIIT's girls' hostels around 8:00 pm on Thursday. Police, alerted to the incident, arrived swiftly, followed by forensic teams to begin the investigation.
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh confirmed the recovery of the body and stated that the case is being treated as a suspected suicide, pending the results of the post-mortem examination conducted at AIIMS. Commissioner Singh emphasized the thorough nature of the investigation, highlighting the collection of necessary evidence by the scientific team and the notification of the student's family.
"Today, we received information regarding the death of a Nepalese student at KIIT University. We immediately launched an investigation. A detailed probe will be conducted, with the scientific team already collecting evidence. The family has been informed, and the body has been sent to AIIMS for a post-mortem," Commissioner Singh stated.
The incident has prompted heightened security measures across the university campus and surrounding areas. This increased security presence is a direct response to growing concerns regarding the safety and welfare of international students, especially those from Nepal, in the wake of this second tragedy.
Echoes of the Past: The Prakriti Lamsal Case
This tragic event echoes a similar incident that occurred just three months prior. On February 16th, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, was also found dead in her hostel room under similar circumstances. Ms. Lamsal's death triggered widespread protests from the Nepalese student community and harsh criticism of KIIT University, founded and operated by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former MP Achyuta Samanta.
The Lamsal case revealed a disturbing pattern of inaction by the university administration. Before her death, Ms. Lamsal had filed a formal complaint with the university's International Relations Office (IRO), alleging sexual harassment by a fellow student. The university's failure to take prompt and appropriate action following this serious allegation led to intense scrutiny and condemnation.
The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) strongly criticized the university's response, describing it as "gross negligence." The accused in Ms. Lamsal's case was arrested only a day after her death, further highlighting the university's delayed and inadequate response to the initial complaint.
Official Responses and International Concern
The External Affairs Ministry of India expressed its condolences regarding the student's death and pledged its full support to the bereaved family. A statement released by the ministry emphasized the seriousness with which the Indian government views the safety and well-being of international students.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a Nepali student at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. The Ministry of External Affairs has been in constant contact with the Odisha State Government since learning of the incident. The Odisha State Government has provided full support to the family, and a thorough investigation is underway by the Odisha Police. The Government of India takes the safety, security, and well-being of all international students very seriously," the statement read.
The Odisha Department of Information and Public Relations also issued a statement expressing condolences and reiterating the state government's commitment to a thorough investigation. They emphasized that the university authorities promptly informed the student's parents.
Nepal's Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, reacted swiftly, activating diplomatic channels to ensure a transparent investigation. She used social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to confirm these diplomatic efforts:
"Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated diplomatic initiatives to investigate the truth through high-ranking officials of the Government of India, the Government of Odisha, and the Nepali Embassy in Delhi," Ms. Deuba wrote. She also expressed condolences to the victim's family, praying for peace and extending heartfelt sympathies.
Outrage and Demands for Accountability
Student organizations and representatives of the Nepalese community in India have described the two deaths as a "disturbing pattern" of neglect and failure in student welfare at KIIT University. Samar Bahadur, a spokesperson for the Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj, demanded a swift and impartial investigation:
"We demand an impartial and speedy investigation. This is not an isolated case. Two Nepali girls have died in the same hostel within three months. There must be answers, and if anyone is responsible—whether through action or inaction—they must face consequences."
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), also called for an independent investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability from the university authorities.
Campus Unrest and Calls for Reform
The back-to-back incidents have created significant unrest among the university's international student community. Groups of students gathered near the hostels late Thursday night and early Friday morning, demanding improved grievance redressal mechanisms, enhanced mental health support, and a safer campus environment. While there have been no reports of violence, a heavy police presence remains on campus.
The absence of a formal statement from KIIT University itself has further fueled the discontent and calls for transparency. The university's silence only amplifies the concerns of students and the broader public regarding its handling of these tragic events and its commitment to student safety and well-being.
Analyzing the Systemic Issues: Beyond Individual Cases
The two deaths at KIIT University highlight a larger, systemic issue affecting international students—particularly women—in higher education institutions across India. This involves several interconnected factors that demand comprehensive analysis and reform:
1. Inadequate Support Systems for International Students:
Many universities lack robust support systems specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by international students. These challenges include cultural adjustment, language barriers, homesickness, and potential isolation, all of which can negatively impact mental health. The absence of readily available mental health services and culturally sensitive counseling can exacerbate these issues.
- Recommendation: Universities must invest in dedicated support services for international students, including multilingual counseling, cultural orientation programs, and peer support networks. These programs should be proactive, not just reactive, to anticipate and address potential mental health concerns.
2. Delayed or Ineffective Response to Complaints:
The case of Prakriti Lamsal underscores the critical need for prompt and effective responses to student complaints, particularly those involving serious allegations such as sexual harassment. Delayed or inadequate action sends a damaging message that such complaints are not taken seriously, potentially endangering other students.
- Recommendation: Universities must establish clear and accessible channels for reporting grievances, with well-defined procedures and timelines for investigation and resolution. These procedures must be transparent, ensuring accountability and appropriate action against perpetrators. Training for staff on handling sensitive complaints is also crucial.
3. Lack of Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness:
A lack of cultural sensitivity and awareness within university administration and among the student body can create a hostile or unwelcoming environment for international students. This can further exacerbate feelings of isolation and vulnerability, increasing the risk of mental health problems.
- Recommendation: Universities should conduct regular training for staff and students on cultural sensitivity and awareness. This training should focus on understanding the diverse backgrounds and needs of international students and promoting a culture of inclusion and respect.
4. Insufficient Security Measures and Safety Protocols:
Adequate security measures and safety protocols are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of students, particularly in hostel settings. Regular security audits, well-trained security personnel, and readily available emergency response systems are essential components of a safe campus environment.
- Recommendation: Universities must prioritize the enhancement of security measures, including improved lighting, access control systems, and 24/7 security patrols. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with safety standards. Emergency response protocols should be well-publicized and regularly tested.
5. The Need for Independent Investigations:
The demand for independent investigations in both cases highlights the importance of impartial and thorough inquiries into student deaths on university campuses. These investigations should be conducted by external bodies to ensure objectivity and credibility.
- Recommendation: To maintain public trust and ensure accountability, universities should cooperate fully with independent investigations into student deaths, providing all necessary information and cooperating fully with investigators. The findings of these investigations should be made public, along with detailed plans for implementing recommended reforms.
The tragic deaths of these two Nepalese students serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes within KIIT University and other higher education institutions in India. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that involves enhancing support systems, improving grievance procedures, promoting cultural sensitivity, strengthening security measures, and ensuring independent investigations into such tragic events. Only through concerted action can we create safer and more supportive environments for all international students.